Shopkeeper in Tonga arrested after allegedly raping young customer
A 54-year-old man is in police custody after he allegedly raped a 14-year-old customer in his shop in Tonga on Monday.
TONGA – According to police information, a 14-year-old victim was sent to buy bread on Monday, when she was dragged into a separate room in the shop and raped. She was the only customer in the shop.
The victim stated that she was pushed against the wall in the room, undressed and raped. The accused dragged her onto his bed and raped her a second time before a customer entered the shop.
The accused left the girl to tend to the customer, allowing her to escape. She told her mother what happened and a case was opened at Tonga SAPS.
Police swiftly reacted and the suspect was arrested.
He appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and will remain in police custody until his formal bail application within the next few weeks.
Victims of rape or sexual assault are urged to report the crime as soon as they get somewhere safe.
Police will notify an accredited healthcare worker to collect medical evidence and compile a medical report, which helps police build a strong case against the perpetrator. A friend or family member can accompany the victim to the hospital and police station.
READ: What you must do when you have been raped
Victims should not wash themselves and keep clothes or any other possible evidence in a paper bag or wrapped in newspaper only.
If the friend or family member was the first person contacted after the incident, police may call upon them to make a statement.
At the police station, the victim can request to make their statement in a private room, to a female officer, in their own language and with the support of a friend and family member.
Some police stations, such as Malalane, Tonga and KaMhlushwa, have a special victim support room with volunteers such as counsellors on standby. Here, statements can be taken or victims can spend some time in a calm, safe environment.
READ: Victim Empowerment Centre at Malelane SAPS a safe haven for many
If victims are worried that the accused will intimidate or harm them, they need to ensure police are aware of this fact.
If the rapist is a family member or someone they live with, it is essential that victims have somewhere safe to stay.
READ: More places of safety needed in Malalane
Victims are urged to ensure they get a case number and that the investigating officer knows where and how to contact them at all times. This will enable them to find out about the case’s progress, when they need to testify, trial dates and sentencing.
Rape victims will need to visit a clinic or hospital to get medication to prevent any infections, HIV and pregnancy.
It is also essential to speak to a therapist, counsellor or social worker to help deal with the trauma.
